Centralized Intern Training and Authorization Delegation of Authority

Environmental health specialists can complete training to earn delegation of authority to enforce North Carolina's sanitation rules and laws. These enforcement agents are called Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS).

Delegation of authority to enforce state sanitation rules and laws is granted pursuant to N.C. General Statute 130A-4(b) and as codified in 15A NCAC 01O.010, which requires an authorization process of education and training to ensure standards are met by REHS. The purpose of the authorization process is to ensure that the local agents of the state have satisfactorily completed training to enforce specific state sanitation laws.

Note: ALL Delegation of Authority Applications should be forwarded via email to EHS Authorization.

Seven Areas of Authorization

The state grants enforcement authority in seven areas, and each area has its own training 

There are currently seven areas for which enforcement authority can be granted after completion of specifically related training. Specialists can be authorized in all areas. You must first complete centralized intern training before training for any specific area listed below.

  1. Child-Care and School Sanitation (CCSS) (PDF)
  2. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (CLPP) (PDF)
  3. Food Lodging and Institutions (FLI) (PDF)
  4. On-Site Wastewater (OSWW) (PDF)
  5. Public Swimming Pools (PSP) (PDF)
  6. Tattoos (TATT) (PDF)
  7. Private Wells (Wells) (PDF)

Transfer Authorizations

  1. Transfer Authorization Application (PDF)

How to Earn Authorization to Enforce NC Sanitation Laws & Rules

A short overview of the process is available below.

Full details are available in the Authorization Manual.

Requirements for each authorization area:

  1. Eligibility: You must be employed by a county health department.
  2. Centralized Intern Training (CIT): You must complete all CIT courses (the general CIT module, one of two training tracks, and a pre- and post-CIT test). You can't move to the next steps until you complete this training.
  3. Practice/Field Experiences: You'll work with a Registered Environmental Health Specialist within your county of employment for initial practice and field experiences.
    • When you complete your initial fieldwork, send documentation to the appropriate regional specialist. Complete a Request for Authorization (PDF) and email to ehs.authorization@dhhs.nc.gov. 
    • CIT and Authorization will verify your documentation then ask the regional specialist to conduct an overall assessment of your work.
  4. A passing grade on the specific test for each authorization area.
  5. Field assessment by a Regional Specialist.

Note: You must complete Steps 3-5 for each specific area of authorization.

The overall assessment includes:

  • Review of the initial practice/fieldwork
  • A written examination specific to the type of authorization requested
  • Observation of fieldwork
  • Evaluation of ability to properly enforce pertinent laws and rules

Based on your overall assessment, the regional specialist will make a recommendation for or against authorization. The Environmental Health Section Chief makes the final decision on authorization.